We are using donor sperm so my husband didn't have to be there. He came for support for the first one but after that I went alone. For me iui's are quick easy and painless. I was suprised how easy they are. It is no worse that getting a pap test.
I wish I could help with your culture question but I have never needed to do that.
Wishing you lots of luck and hope everything works out perfectly!

Thanks Kristi, that makes me feel a lot better that it is comparable to a pap test. I got a lot of info about IVF and IUI at the same time so I have been trying to remember what was said about the IUI and how I would feel after etc. I feel relieved. I appreciate your feedback.

My husband had to leave right after giving his sample for one of our IUIs so he was not there for the procedure. It really is like getting a pap smear - you just have to lay on the elevated table for a certain amount of time after. Since he won't be there, I would bring a book so you don't get bored during the wait right after the IUI. I think it is 10-15 minutes or so. I would just trust your clinic regarding the semen sample and the wait time. (Sorry I don't know anything about that aspect.) Most importantly, good luck!!!!

I've only had one so far (second one in two weeks, if all goes well). We were lucky that my DH could take the day off, so I don't know about the culture in the cup, but I would have been fine if he wasn't there. I was surprised at how quick and easy the procedure was. I actually went back to work for a few hours. I am sure your DH will be with you in spirit and anxiously thinking about you the whole day! My RE told me it usually takes 3-6 IUIs before it works, but maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to get pregnant on your first! :) Good luck and positive thoughts coming your way!

i'm in a similar situation where dh may be out of town so i was given the option of freezing a sample, a lil different from the culture/cup, i asked about fresh vs frozen, RE said fresh was better and typically only one iui procedure needed, they do 2 back to back iui with frozen....it that's the only way it can be done this cycle, go for it

Hello!

DH came to all of my appointments in the beginning of treatment. He was there for bloodwork, ultrasounds, and all the other appointments we had. I needed his support, but now the appointments come so regular that I don't even bother trying to work around both of our schedules. We just did back to back IUIs, and DH came (and was in the room) for the first one, but had to work after giving his sample for the second IUI. The procedure is very much the same as a pap test, with a tad bit more cramping and excitement ;) I was ok with DH not being there, but every woman is different. In this IF struggle we often can't plan for anything, much less timing! Your cycle is calling the shots. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Don't have any answers to your questions, but hope that your IUI is a success!

thanks so much everyone! knowing many others have been alone for an IUI makes me feel much better!

I had two iui done back to back my hubby had to give his sample and then leave right away. I drove myself home with no probelms. Iui is very quick and painless. My first iui worked but unfortunately ended up being a tubal pregnancy :(. But you never know you may have good luck on the first try and you can put this craziness behind you. As far as the sample being transfered, I had to do this with Ivf. When I did IVF my dh couldn't be there because of work.So,I had to get the sample at home jump in the car get his swimmers to the clinc. Very stressful indeed lol.My ivf cycle worked now 3 months preggers. So, collecting at home is fine. I was really stressed about it at the time. My advice is as soon as you get the sample get it to the lab right away. Also, when driving it there put it between your legs that way it stays warm. Once you get it to the lab they have ways of preserving it and they also seperate and only use the best swimmers.Good luck and baby dust.

We are also using donor sperm, so hubby won't have to be present technically, but he is trying to get the day off (as am I!). It is a scheduling nightmare to do this if you have a job (which we need to pay for it lol!). Ours was supposed to be this Friday but my follicles aren't ready meaning I'll have to get the day off at the last minute for next week some time. Since I'm up for a promotion at work, I haven't told any coworkers that I'm trying to get pregnant which means I'll have to ambiguously say I'm going to the doctor and it can't wait without giving any details on why.

Anyways, sorry to hear about your situation and you are not the only one having trouble with this scheduling stuff. Best of luck to you.

IUI's are super easy. You lay down for 5 min after then it's business as usual. Good luck!